BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The first-ever joint China-Russia military exercise scheduled for later this year is a significant event in the relations between the two nations and two armies, said Chinese Defense Minister here Friday.

    "The exercise will exert both immediate and far-reaching impacts," Minister Cao Gangchuan told the visiting Russian army chief Yuri Baluyevsky, who is on his first trip abroad since he took up the post last July.

    In recent years, China-Russia ties, including military ones, have been progressing smoothly, as evidenced by frequent high-level exchanges and fruitful cooperation in various fields, said Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

    Cao briefed Baluyevsky on China's Anti-Secession Law, approved by the country's parliament four days ago authorizing the use of force to prevent "Taiwan independence" from the country.

    He also expressed appreciation for Russia's consistent adherence to the one-China principle.

    In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie Thursday, Baluyevsky said Russia is against any secessionist activities of "Taiwan Independence" in any form and will stick to the one-China policy.

    The planned Russian and Chinese joint military exercise is not against any third country, he said. "It is a new way of cooperation between the two militaries, aimed at improving the training capabilities of the two militaries and boosting their cooperation."

    Later Friday, he was also received by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao before leaving for Sanya, a seaside resort in southern Hainan Province. Enditem